Jack and Jill
Burlington County Chapter
#jjbcc
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE.
Welcome to the “Brilliant” Burlington County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated website! Our mothers are dedicated to the National Mission and Vision of Jack and Jill and committed to the goals for our chapter, which allow us to focus on serving our community and developing leaders within our children. We hope that you learn about our national organization, local chapter and community events and are encouraged to get involved. We want to hear from you, please feel free to contact us with any questions, interests or new ideas.
Regards,
~Michelle Williford, Chapter President
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Our focus.
Nurturing future African American leaders
Wee
Wisdom
Age 2 to K
Lads and Lassies
1st – 2nd
Graders
Brothers & Sisters
3rd – 5th Graders
United
Youth
6th – 8th Graders
Black
Onyx
Teen Group
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Executive Team.
Let’s Work, Let’s Play, Let’s Live Together
Michelle
Williford
President
Kelly
Moore
Recording Secretary
Natascha Williams
Vice President
Lynda
Carter
Corresponding Secretary
Chane’
Gilliam
Program Director
Bahiya Hafeez
Muhammad
Financial Secretary
Darla
Syres
Treasurer
Jody
Sanders
Editor
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About Us.
Jack and Jill Burlington County Chapter
National History
The late Marion Stubbs Thomas founded Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, on January 24, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Twenty mothers came together to discuss creating an organization to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth between the ages of 2 and 19. In 1946, 10 chapters were involved in the national restructuring process. The constitution and bylaws were drawn up, and the organization was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware.
Today, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. boast more than 248 chapters nationwide, representing over 40,000 family members. Each chapter plans annual programming activities guided under a national theme. Through service projects, Jack and Jill of America create a medium of contact for children to stimulate their growth and development.
National Mission
Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. This mission has not changed since the founding of our organization, more than 80 years ago.
National Motto:
Let’s Work, Let’s Play, Let’s Live Together
Chapter History
The Burlington County Chapter, previously known as the Burlington-Willingboro Chapter, was conceived and established by our organizer and advisor, Mrs. Marie V. Akins, who was a member of the South Jersey Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated for many years. Through her efforts and diligence, the Burlington-Willingboro Chapter was founded on October 13, 1973. The installation was conducted at the Ft. Dix Officer’s Club in Ft. Dix, New Jersey. Dr. Perl Watson BosChulte, the Installing Officer, who was also the National President of Jack and Jill at that time, honored the occasion. Mrs. LaRuth Steward served as our Interest Group President and Mrs. Edna Lewis was installed as the first President of the then Burlington-Willingboro Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. During that time, our chapter consisted of forty (40) mothers and their families.
Now known as the Burlington County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., we are focused on our chapter theme of EXCITE, ENGAGE and EMPOWER each other; and we stay motivated and committed to our National vision and to serving this community, Burlington County, with unique programs that benefit all children.
Community Events
Our mothers have been working in the community for over 45 years, with such Service programs like: Supporting and serving at the Ronald McDonald House, Adopt-A-Family, participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, working with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization, making and providing supplies and materials for homeless shelters via Birthday Boxes, back to school book bag drives as well as volunteering at SisterHood, Inc., Mothers Helping Mothers and Tabernacle Baptist Church Food Bank
We also conduct a biennial Children and Youth Tolerance and Leadership Development Conference, in honor of Carole Robertson, one of the 4 young girls slain in the Alabama church bombing, who herself and family were members of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. This community based conference is focused on teaching tolerance and understanding our differences to children of all ages. Some of our Philanthropic Beneficiaries have been: Jack and Jill Foundation, Inc., SisterHood, Inc., Providence House, Youth Achievers, Tabernacle Baptist Church Food Bank, The Good Counsel Home, the March of Dimes and All Things Are Possible Foundation.
The Power to Make a Difference